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‘Freedom 40’ returns to Atomic

Ohio
Published 8:12 p.m. ET Aug. 11, 2014

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Boone Davis uses a grader on Saturday to work the backstretch of the Atomic Speedway track.(Photo: Frank Robertson/Gazette, Frank Robertson/Gazette)Buy Photo

CHILLICOTHE – Atomic Speedway owner Brad McCown has revived what was once a crown jewel for sprint car racers, the “Freedom 40,” which will be staged Aug. 23 at the Blain Highway track.

The date marks the one-year anniversary of McCown’s ownership of Atomic Speedway. Through his efforts, the return of the “Freedom 40” will be the inaugural event of the new Renegade Sprints series.

The winner’s share of the purse has been raised to $5,000, along with a provisional spot in the Open Wheel Championships in October. That event will pay $15,000 to the winner and also will be the season finale for Renegade Sprints.

The Aug. 23 race will be the first of what organizers hope will be a successful run for the newly-formed series. Joining the sprints on the card will be the Vintage Auto Racing Cars, Advanced Services AMRA Modifieds, Racers Edge Supplements Street Stocks and C&M Racing Equipment Sport Mods.

Past champions of the original “Freedom 40” races include five all-stars and two World of Outlaws champions. Todd Kane won the previous “Freedom 40,” which was staged in 2011.

“We have a great list of drivers who want to be a part of the Renegade Sprints,” Helms said. “This series continues to grow every day.”

With Helms poised as the series leader, sprint car drivers and teams came together to establish the Renegade Sprints, a 410 sprint car series that will compete in about 50 races each year throughout Ohio, Pennsylvania, Indiana and Michigan. Details on a points fund and race payout are in the works, but Helms expects each race to pay at least $5,000 to the winner.

Atomic Speedway will not race this weekend; the speedway also will be idle during Labor Day weekend.